I just learned of Mr. Ps passing and I had to write this. He was my 6th grade teacher at Patterson. I was 11 yrs. Old. I am now 64. He is one teacher in my life who had a profound impact on the man I was to become. I will try to keep this short. Beyond showing us how to tackle the 3 Rs, Mr. P showed us love. He'd even come pick a bunch of us up in his station wagon, and take us to Washington Senators games. This was the early 70s. And this white teacher from across the bridge (another world to us), would drive across the Potomac, into the hood to pick us up to take us to these games.  This had an impact on me. But wait, it gets better!  I grew up to become a creative executive and later a VP for number of nation cable television channels. In the 2000s, while serving as an Art Director at CNN in Atlanta, I came back to DC for a project. I was traveling with one of our designers and I told him I wanted to stop by my elementary school to see if they could put me in touch with Mr. P.  We went to the main office. I introduced myself to the administrators and inquired about Mr. P.  They told me he had retired and then said, “but he is down the hall right now in a certain classroom volunteering”. Mind you, this was after school hours. We walked down the hall and into the classroom. Mr. P was sitting in a six-grader chair, hunched over, and working on an arts and crafts project. His back was to us. “Mr. Perkins?” “Yes”, he replied. “I am Scott Perkins” (no relation, lol) He looked up, smiled and said, “Yes you are.”’ We caught up, he asked about my family and so on. Then I asked him, “Why did you he used to come pick us up and take us to the games”? In true Mr. P.  fashion, he sly said “I like baseball”. I looked him in his eyes and said, “No, why?” He replied, “I wanted you to know that there was more than the hood”. We hugged. I thanked him. As I was leaving, another former student, 20+ years my junior was entering the room to see… Mr. P. That  says it all.

Mr. Perkins Always comes across my mind. You were one of thee best teachers at W. B. Patterson. I was class of 1995. Great teachers like you are very hard to come across in this era. Your memory lives forever in the hearts of all the children (now grown) you taught and mentored.

Mr Perkins was my 6th grade teacher at Patterson 1978-1979.  We were his kids and he taught, nurtured, and cared for us for us all.  He often took many of us to Kings Dominion over the years.  He was just a great person.  My condolences to his family and friends.

Missing you around the neighorhood and at Dunkin's.    You were a staple here in the community..   Thank you for your wit and humor and kindness, Teach.  You are not forgotten.   P.S.  I bet you and Lou and the gang are all having some good laughs again!   MC

When I think of Teach, I am reminded of “togetherness” and “camaraderie”.  Friends and neighbors in our lovely community gathered ‘round at Roys to socialize; coined as The Boys from Roys these old timers met regularly to reminisce about days gone by.  There was a lot to learn and a lot to love about Teach.  He was intelligent, reasonable, thoughtful and full of wit.  I, myself was flattered when he complimented the catchy puns I’d throw back at him.  Once in a while and on special occasions, we’d “IHop”, skip and jump over to the pancake house for a change of scenery.  Dunkin’s was also a refreshing change of scenery for Teach where he planted himself each morning, a seat reserved for him and only him, newspaper in hand, or a pencil as he thoughtfully solved the crossword puzzle or some other word game.  Although Teach did not like to draw attention to himself, a following of friends joined him; Parker, Mac, Henry, Billy and Lou, his sidekick.  Their interaction was a comedic sight at times, Laurel and Hardy, Abbott and Costello but always good friends.   As Teach’s circle of friends dwindled, passing on to another life, others filled those empty chairs at Dunkin’s.  Although Teach was independent, these folks looked after him.   Orcilia prepared his coffee with care, always fresh and hot and watched over him as he became a staple at Dunkin’s, seated in the same place every morning, month after month and year after year.  His buddy, Wayne also befriended him and filled a space that otherwise would have remained void.  In so many words, Teach was loved and will be missed greatly.  May all the warm memories of Teach bring comfort to each and every one of your hearts who have been touched by his presence.  With Sincere Sympathies to his family.

When I think of Teach, I am reminded of “togetherness” and “camaraderie”.  Friends and neighbors in our lovely community gathered ‘round at Roys to socialize; coined as The Boys from Roys these old timers met regularly to reminisce about days gone by.  There was a lot to learn and a lot to love about Teach.  He was intelligent, reasonable, thoughtful and full of wit.  I, myself was flattered when he complimented the catchy puns I’d throw back at him.  Once in a while and on special occasions, we’d “IHop”, skip and jump over to the pancake house for a change of scenery.  Dunkin’s was also a refreshing change of scenery for Teach where he planted himself each morning, a seat reserved for him and only him, newspaper in hand or a pencil as he thoughtfully solved the crossword puzzle or some other word game.  Although Teach did not like to draw attention to himself, a following of friends joined him; Parker, Mac, Henry, Billy and Lou, his sidekick.  Their interaction was a comedic sight at times, Laurel and Hardy, Abbott and Costello but always good friends.   As Teach’s circle of friends dwindled, passing on to another life, others filled those empty chairs at Dunkin’s.  Although Teach was independent, these folks looked after him.   Orcilia prepared his coffee with care, always fresh and hot and watched over him as he became a staple at Dunkin’s, seated in the same place every morning, month after month and year after year.  His buddy, Wayne also befriended him and filled a space that otherwise would have remained void.  In so many words, Teach was loved and will be missed greatly.  May all the warm memories of Teach bring comfort to each and every one of your hearts who have been touched by his presence.  With Sincere Sympathies to his family.

Uncle Conway was always our “Fun Uncle” we remember the trips to Glen Echo in his VW beetle! He always had a smile and a joke to share. He will be remembered fondly and with love and laughter. 


Diane Perkins Eller
Marcus E. Perkins

OBITUARY

Conway Calvin Perkins

January 13, 1933 – October 26, 2023

National Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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